Discover what’s the average child support payment in the United States and how it varies by state based on various factors.
What’s the Average Child Support Payment?
According to parentclassesonline.com, there are about 13 million custodial parents in the US. Did you know that? But only approximately 46% of custodial parents get all of the child support they are entitled to.
To raise a child, you need love, time, and money. The enforcement of child support helps guarantee that the child’s needs are still covered even if the parents live apart.
Child support amounts vary by state. How much is child support in SC and other states? Child support usually factors in the earnings of the parents and the cost of living and needs of the child. Depending on the state, the average cost can hover around $300, whereas in others, the average has gone up to around $600.
Let’s look at how child support payments are figured up and what you may expect from them.
Factors Influencing Child Support Payments
Calculating child support will require you to include the incomes of each parent. There must be a full disclosure of details about the parents’ finances and earnings, whether in the form of wages, bonuses, or any other real income.
The number of children being supported is another factor to think about. More kids usually mean bigger payments. Custody arrangements also influence child support payments. If one parent has primary custody, that individual usually receives more support.
There will also be some consideration for actual expenses that parents are responsible for, such as health care and education. There are many state laws involved that you should become aware of within your jurisdiction.
Average Child Support Payments by State
Understanding average payments for state child support can help you assess your case. Different states have various guidelines and factors that affect the amount of support you pay or receive.
For instance, the payments in California run up to around $400 a month. In Texas, the average payment is about $450. New York payments mostly go upwards of $600 each month, which reflects the place’s cost of living.
Meanwhile, Alabama generates an average of about $300. Knowing these figures may help with budgeting, so think about what the average cost of child support is in your area. However, if an agreement is not possible, the court then steps in to decide based on each parent’s contribution, according to child support lawyer Christopher Engels.
Evaluate the place where you live and see how it could affect your particular child support obligation.
Calculating Child Support: Guidelines and Formulas
Some states have retained court-made guidelines and formulas for determining child support. You need to know the key factors that affect child support payments.
Typically, the income of either parent is considered along with the number of children and the needs of the child. Most states recognize a shared income model that estimates the projected total expenditure for a child as if both parents lived together. The cost is then divided proportionally according to each income.
Aside from these costs, expenses for health support, child care, and education should also be factored into the final figure.
In applying and making your plans for the future, you should gather accurate financial information and know how your particular state works with the formula for properly determining support.
Modifications to Child Support Payments
Child support can be modified in case the situations of the parents change substantially. Examples of significant changes might be job loss, promotion, or changes in custody arrangements.
You should gather evidence that supports your case as a first step if you feel that your situation warrants a modification. Proof will be required to show your changed financial circumstances, whether your income has grown or dwindled.
Using this evidence, you can submit a motion to the court for consideration. Be wary that this process could potentially take some time.
Resources for Parents Managing Child Support Issues
Knowing where to seek help is important in any matter about child support. Initially, you could go to the local family courts or child support services and inquire about your rights and duties.The Child Support Enforcement program has currently set up state-specific tools and instructions as available online resources. Attend workshops or seminars about child support hosted by your local community organizations. Support groups and online forums present yet another way to meet other parents who are experiencing similar issues.
A family lawyer will clarify the legal issues and represent your rights. The available resources will ensure that you make decisions throughout the process based on informed judgment.